Discussions By Condition: Skin conditions

Pityriasis Rosea or Ringworm?

Ok.. I've been doing alot of research on the skin conditions that leave a "target shaped lesion" .. and for some reason I just can't find out the specific one that I have on my arm(s)..

It's a reoccuring blemish on my arms that look like targets. They've occured every once in awhile. Probably about the size of a nickle with red around the rim of them and dry like skin in the center. They've happened on my inner arms and I just recently saw one on my inner thigh. I also have a "scratch" like mark on my back that I've had for about the past year or so.. I have no idea if that's relivent but I heard pityriasis usually leaves a blemish on the back..

Like I said.. I've been doing alot or research.. it could be one of like 10 things.. I just want people opinion on what I have.. Seeing I don't have insurence and can't get it checked out professionally.. If you'd like a picture I can take one later on tonight..

6 Replies:

Approximately at the age of 18 I also had this condition that you have described - it wasn't until my 50's that I found a Dr. that knew what it was. His prescription was Betamethasone valerate lotion, usp 0.1%. This is available in liquid or salve form - applied twice daily until it is gone. It worked like magic on me. Hope this helps you.

Sounds like Ringworm, as gross as that sounds. I got it on my chin (of all places!) in college. It was unsightly and uncomfortable, but a Rx cream cleared it right up within a few weeks. Honey, go to a doctor. You can't cure this any other way. You need meds.

himy son(8 years old) suffers with recucurring Pityriasis Rosea, with this you usually start with whats called a herald patch and then a rash which is usuallaly on trunk of body, the rash sometimes resembles branches coming from the spine , it can last weeks or months, from what you are saying you sound like you have ringworm, best to get it checked out as you will probably need some antibiotic cream..

i have had this exact same issue. they are right above my elbow on the inner side of my arm and then also on my leg above my knee on the inner side. they are in the shape of a ring with the skin sort of raised and the skin is dry inside. I have seen my doctor numerous times now. At first she believed it was ring worm, then had to do a biopsy and was told it was ekzima and gave me some type of cream. to this day i still have them. my dr bills are going through the roof just to diagnose this!!

Ok.. I've been doing alot of research on the skin conditions that leave a "target shaped lesion" .. and for some reason I just can't find out the specific one that I have on my arm(s).. It's a reoccuring blemish on my arms that look like targets. They've occured every once in awhile. Probably about the size of a nickle with red around the rim of them and dry like skin in the center. They've happened on my inner arms and I just recently saw one on my inner thigh. I also have a "scratch" like mark on my back that I've had for about the past year or so.. I have no idea if that's relivent but I heard pityriasis usually leaves a blemish on the back..Like I said.. I've been doing alot or research.. it could be one of like 10 things.. I just want people opinion on what I have.. Seeing I don't have insurence and can't get it checked out professionally.. If you'd like a picture I can take one later on tonight..Erythema multiforme

I've had something similar for over a year. My doctor thinks it's Pityriasis Rosea. Nothing they've given me has helped with the itching. I've found, on my own, that hydrogen peroxide stops the itching for at least two days. I have patches on my inner elbow area, ear, and eyes. Mine has gone on for over a year.